Ontario Trillium Payment Dates (2025-2026): Full Guide

The Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) is available to eligible low to middle-income Ontario residents to help pay for energy costs, property taxes, and sales taxes. The Ontario Trillium Benefit OTB combines three credits into one monthly payment for your convenience.

Key Takeaways:

• OTB payment dates 2025 run from July 2025 to June 2026 on the 10th of each month
• Maximum amounts increased - up to $371 for Ontario sales tax credit per eligible person
• Three credits combined into one payment: OEPTC, NOEC, and OSTC
• Choose monthly or lump sum payment options based on your total benefit amount
• Direct deposit recommended for fastest, most reliable payment delivery

What is the Ontario Trillium Benefit?

The Ontario Trillium Benefit is a tax-free payment that combines three provincial tax credits to help Ontario residents with essential living costs:

1. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC)

A tax-free payment designed to help cover your property tax and sales tax on energy costs.

2. Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC)

A tax-free payment that helps cover higher home energy costs for residents living in Northern Ontario districts.

3. Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC)

A tax-free payment meant to assist with the sales tax you pay on everyday purchases.

Your 2024 income tax and benefit return is used to calculate your 2025-2026 Trillium benefit payments. The Canada Revenue Agency CRA processes these payments on behalf of the Ontario government.

OTB Payment Dates 2025-2026

The OTB benefit combines the three credits into one monthly payment. The trillium payment dates for 2025 and early 2026 are:

• July 10, 2025
• August 8, 2025 (adjusted from 10th due to weekend/statutory holiday)
• September 10, 2025
• October 10, 2025
• November 10, 2025
• December 10, 2025
• January 9, 2026 (adjusted from 10th)
• February 10, 2026
• March 10, 2026
• April 10, 2026
• May 9, 2026 (adjusted from 10th)
• June 10, 2026

Important: When the 10th falls on a weekend or statutory holiday, the OTB payment is issued on the last working day before the 10th of that month. These benefit payment dates ensure consistent monthly support throughout the benefit year.

OTB Payment Amount: How Much Can You Receive?

The Ontario Trillium benefit payment combines three separate credits. Here's the maximum credit amount you can receive from each:

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Maximum Amounts

The property tax credit OEPTC provides up to:

• $1,283 (ages 18-64)
• $1,461 (ages 65+)
• $285 if you live on a reserve or in public long-term care housing
• $25 for time lived in eligible college, university or private school residence in 2024

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Maximum Amounts

The Ontario energy credit NOEC provides up to:

• $285 for families
• $185 if you're single

This credit helps offset the higher home energy costs faced by residents in Northern Ontario, including those living in Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming districts.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Maximum Amounts

The sales tax credit OSTC provides a maximum of $371 for each eligible person.

You can receive an additional credit of $371 for your:

• Spouse or common law partner
• Each dependent child under 19 years of age on the 1st of the payment month

Total Potential: Depending on your situation, the combined OTB payment can exceed $2,100 annually for eligible families.

How to Apply for the Ontario Trillium Benefit

Applying for OTB is straightforward - you don't need a separate application. Here's what to do:

Step 1: File Your Personal Income Tax Return

Complete your income tax and benefit return, even if you don't have any income to report. This is required to receive government benefits.

Step 2: Complete the ON-BEN Form

Fill out the ON-BEN application form included with your 2024 tax return. This form determines your eligibility for Ontario energy and property tax credits.

Step 3: Submit by April 30, 2025

File your 2024 tax return by April 30, 2025, to ensure you receive your Trillium benefit payment on time. Late filing may delay your payments.

Step 4: Choose Payment Option

On the ON-BEN form, select whether you want monthly payments or a single payment in June 2026 (for amounts over $360).

The Canada Revenue Agency will review your tax return and determine if you're eligible for the three credits. If approved, payments begin in July 2025.

OTB Eligibility Requirements

To receive OTB payments, you must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the three credits.

Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit (OEPTC) Eligibility

You must be an Ontario resident on December 31, 2024, and meet one of the following:

Age/Status Requirements:

• 18 years old before June 1, 2026, OR
• Had a spouse or common law partner on or before December 31, 2024, OR
• Parent who lives or previously lived with your child

Housing Requirements (at least one must apply):

• Paid rent or property tax for your principal residence, subject to Ontario municipal or education property tax
• Paid property tax for your main residence
• Lived on a reserve and paid for home energy costs
• Lived in a public or non-profit long-term care home and paid for accommodation

Northern Ontario Energy Credit (NOEC) Eligibility

To qualify for the Northern Ontario energy credit, you must:

Location Requirement:

• Live in Northern Ontario as of December 31, 2024

Northern Ontario Districts Include:

• Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury (including Greater Sudbury), Thunder Bay, Timiskaming

Plus meet these requirements:

• 18 years or older before June 1, 2026, OR
• Had a spouse or common law partner, OR
• Parent who lives or previously lived with your child

And during 2024:

• Paid rent or property tax for principal residence in Northern Ontario, OR
• Lived on reserve and paid home energy costs, OR
• Lived in a public long-term care home and paid for accommodation

Important: Your eligibility depends on where you live on the 1st of each month. If you move from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario mid-month, you'll receive that month's payment but not subsequent ones.

Ontario Sales Tax Credit (OSTC) Eligibility

To qualify for the sales tax credit, you must be an Ontario resident and meet at least one criterion before June 1, 2026:

• 19 years or older
• Currently or previously married or in a common law partnership
• Parent who lives or previously lived with your child

Payment Options: Monthly vs. Lump Sum

Automatic Lump Sum (Under $360)

If your total annual OTB payment amount is $360 or less, you'll automatically receive it as a single payment in July 2025.

Monthly Payments (Default for $360+)

If your entitlement exceeds $360, you'll receive 1/12th of your total benefit each month from July 2025 to June 2026 as one monthly payment.

Optional Single Payment (Over $360)

You can choose to receive your entire benefit as a lump sum in June 2026 instead. Select this option by ticking box 61060 on Form ON-BEN when filing your 2024 tax return.

Minimum Payment: If your monthly payment would be between $2 and $10, the payment amount is increased to $10. You won't receive payment if the amount is $2 or less.

How Payments Are Delivered

Direct Deposit (Recommended)

If you receive your income tax refund by direct deposit, you'll automatically receive OTB payments to your bank account. This is the fastest, most secure method.

Payment by Mail

If you don't use direct deposit, the Canada Revenue Agency will mail cheques on the 10th of each month. Allow up to 10 business days for delivery.

Pro Tip: Sign up for direct deposit through your CRA My Account to ensure you receive your payment status updates and payments without delay.

Related Ontario and Federal Benefits

If you qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit, you may also be eligible for these government benefits:

Federal Benefits

• Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Tax-free monthly payments for families with children under 18
• Canada Workers Benefit (CWB): Refundable tax credit for low-income workers
• Advanced Canada Workers Benefit (ACWB): Quarterly advance payments of CWB
• GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments to offset sales tax, including the harmonized sales tax
• Canada Carbon Rebate: Quarterly payments for eligible provinces (program ending 2025)
• Canada Pension Plan: Retirement and disability benefits

Provincial Benefits

• Alberta Child and Family Benefit: For Alberta residents with children
• Child and Family Benefit programs: Various provincial support for lower income households

Important Dates and Deadlines

• April 30, 2025: Deadline to file 2024 tax return for timely OTB payments
• June 19, 2025: Returns assessed by this date receive payments starting July 10
• July 10, 2025: First payment of 2025-2026 benefit year
• June 10, 2026: Final monthly payment and optional single payment date

Late Filing: If your 2024 return is assessed after June 19, 2025, your first payment may be delayed by 4-8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive OTB if I'm a student or have no income?

Yes, you can still qualify for the Ontario Trillium Benefit even if you're a student or have no income. The key requirement is filing your personal income tax return, even when you have nothing to report. The benefit is based on your housing costs and living situation rather than just income, so low-income or no-income residents can still receive support for energy costs and sales tax.

What happens if I move during the benefit year?

Your eligibility depends on your residence on the 1st of each payment month. If you move out of Ontario or from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario mid-month, you'll receive that month's payment but subsequent payments will be adjusted based on your new location. Always update your address with the Canada Revenue Agency immediately to avoid payment delays or overpayments that need to be returned.

Do I need to reapply for OTB every year?

You must file your income tax and benefit return each year to continue receiving the Ontario Trillium benefit, even if you have no income. The Canada Revenue Agency uses your annual tax return to recalculate your eligibility and payment amount for each benefit year. Simply completing your tax return with the ON-BEN form is all you need - there's no separate application process once you're enrolled.

Managing Your Money Between Payments

The Ontario Trillium Benefit provides valuable support for energy and property tax costs, but sometimes unexpected expenses arise between monthly payments. Here are tips for managing your finances:

Budget Planning:

• Track your energy costs and property tax payments
• Plan for seasonal variations in heating costs
• Set aside portions of your OTB payment for quarterly bills

Emergency Support:

• If you need help between payment dates, consider interest-free cash advances through services like Bree (up to $500 with no fees)
• Contact local community services for additional financial assistance
• Look into other family benefit programs you may qualify for

Long-Term Stability:

• File your tax return early to ensure timely payments
• Keep your address and banking information current with CRA
• Review all government benefits you're eligible for annually

Conclusion

The Ontario Trillium Benefit provides meaningful financial support to lower-income households across Ontario, helping cover energy costs, property taxes, and sales taxes. By combining the Ontario energy and property tax credit, Northern Ontario energy credit, and Ontario sales tax credit into one payment, the program simplifies support for eligible residents.

To receive your 2025-2026 payments on the scheduled payment dates, file your 2024 income tax and benefit return by April 30, 2025, and complete the ON-BEN form. The Canada Revenue Agency will determine your eligibility and begin monthly payments in July.

While the OTB provides regular support, unexpected expenses can still strain your budget. Discover how Bree's interest-free cash advances up to $500 can provide immediate relief without adding to your financial burden, helping you maintain stability between government payments.

For more details on related support programs, you can also check out our guide on the Canada RIT deposit to understand other tax benefits, or review the ODSP payment dates to stay informed about Ontario Disability Support Program schedules.

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